Christinna Swearingen — Rusk County Community Library, Director, Ladysmith, WI

Christinna Swearingen, Director of the Rusk County Community Library in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, is building a library legacy that will last for generations. Nestled in northwest Wisconsin's river and forest landscape, RCCL serves as the community's vital third place. But Christinna's vision extends far beyond her tenure—she's creating long-term sustainable programs and partnerships that ensure the library remains the hub and heart of the community for years to come.

Her innovative approach has yielded impressive results. RCCL hosts a winter farmers market, spearheaded the area's first municipal solar field with its Foundation, and maintains beloved ongoing programs such as walking groups, family literacy nights, and Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. Through strong stakeholder engagement and strategic building upgrades, Christinna ensures the library stays relevant in changing times as a place where people can simply exist and belong.

"I absolutely love the glimmer of excitement in someone's eyes when they get excited about the library," Christinna shares. Whether patrons appreciate the programs, resources, staff, or space itself, their enthusiasm fuels her passion.

Her advice to small library workers is both honest and encouraging: "You've got to have a thick skin, a real love of the work, and a willingness to push up those sleeves to find solutions." She reminds colleagues that despite loud critics, someone is grateful they open their doors every day—and that makes all the difference.

As an active ARSL member and CE committee contributor, Christinna continues expanding her network while helping fellow rural librarians thrive:

"It's one of the best organizations for librarians around, dontchaknow!"

Written by the ARSL Office